Issues with 5 Year Old, Possibly Needs a Daily Schedule??

I have tried keeping a schedule before but things usually always arise that break that schedule. For me, its the summer that gets my daughter restless (She hates it when there is no school.-I'm sure that will change as she is only 7 right now) Anyway, she often complains of being bored and of course she is old enough to find things for herself to do. She loves to read so she has a huge pile of books to read (you can read to your children). I also have a variety of puzzles that she likes to work on (gives her something to do but also makes her think). I also try to get her outside as much as possible whether its riding her bike, going for a walk, going to the park, going to the pool or just running in the sprinkler. She is also very into crafts so I have a bunch of beads, paints, markers, crayons, yarn string etc for her that she can be creative. Its easier when they can find stuff to do on their own but with a little help from you (setting out stuff) I am sure they would really enjoy painting or coloring.

I watch a lot of SuperNanny and she creates a routine at every house she goes to. Here's an article http://www.supernanny.com/Advice/-/Your-child/-/Child-car...
and there's a link to "Family Routine" at the bottom that is probably good too.

I noticed with my 2 year old how different he was at daycare where they followed a routine versus at home where we had one. When I was out of work for a few weeks and he had no routine he went nuts. And putting kids on a routine means that you have to be a better planner and organizer. Kids learn best in the morning which is why most daycares schedule learning activities early and more physical activity later. I've also noticed kids do well with learning themes (repetition and something to look forward to ... you could even have your 5 year old help pick the themes)

It doesn't have to be strict to the minute and you can vary what you do within these periods or what order that you do them in, but generally something like this:

Get dressed and do hygiene
Eat breakfast
Cleanup breakfast
Art and music - something to develop their right brain, sing-a-longs, dancing, simple art projects (paint, draw, pipe-cleaner jewelry, textures, gluing)
Language, Math, Science (reading or learning about something new or playing math/pattern games)
Outside time
Wash up
Lunch
Cleanup lunch
Naptime (or quiet time)
Free play - could be lifeskills (shopping, keeping house, cooking, dress up) theatrics, building, demolition, whatever the kids are into at their age
Outside time
Snack
Chore time
Freeplay
Dinner Time
Family Time
Bath and Toothbrush Time
Story Time
Bed Time

I have a schudule posted on my door at home. It has everything on it. Times for Doctor visits times I go to work, ect. I dont know how in depth you would like to go. Nap time, play time ect. Write down everything you want done, times, ect. THen go from there. You might not get everything done but it is a plan. Good luck

Hi S.. I know every kid is different, as is each families dynamics, but I can tell you that we follow a pretty regular schedule and I know my kids appreciate it (though they don't know it) and are better for it. I can see how having a schedule for them allows them to anticipate what is going to happen and what to expect. I really believe that that is vital for a child. Life is unpredictable and they are in the midst of taking in so much around them....I think one less thing to be unpredictable is a good thing. I am a Mom of 4 kids all within 3 years of each other (my oldest turned 4 in May and I have 1 year old twins) so a schedule is paramount in my house in order to maintain some order and keep peace. Good luck. Also, we follow much of the same schedule that was posted in one of the other responses with a few variations but for the most part that is what we do. Good luck.

T.

I don't have a schedule idea for you, but just thought I'd pose the question-- do you think that maybe your son's boredom could stem from having too much structured time, rather than not enough? If there are always other kids to play with and activities going on, perhaps he just hasn't learned how to entertain or play by himself, and that could lead to frustration and acting out on his part...? Solitary play is very important to a well rounded character too.

Just wanted to throw the idea out there, just in case. Good luck!

Hi S.,
In my experience the most important aspects of scheduling for small children is to make sure that sleeping and eating times remain as consistent as possible. When dealing with children who are struggling behaviorally that is one of the first questions asked, "How does your child sleep?" I would suggest that if your son will no longer nap then at least have a 90 "quiet time" in the afternoon when he can look at books, watch a DVD. This time gives everyone a break and helps to teach him how to entertain himself during down times.
As far as how busy your day looks, maybe you could start by having a lot of activities planned and waiting (crafts, games, new books, making cookies)and just do as many as your son is interested in each day. Then you can get a good picture of how to make a routine that will work for all of you.
Take care,
B.

(1) Your kids need to learn to play by themselves and not be entertained by you or other children all of the time.
(2) Kids do need structure.
(3) Get them to play outside
(4) Get them to do physical activities.
Here's a sample routine --- you determine the times. I wouldn't make it regimented.
For example...
(1)Rise and shine
(2)breakfast
(3)activity
(4)snack
(5)activity
(6)lunch
(7)quiet activity
(8)nap or quiet time
(9)acitivity
(10)snack
(11)activity
(12)dinner
(13)quiet activity
(14)bedtime routine
(15)Night night

I like to get out of the house. Go to the park to play and have a picnic. Or play outside at home. Go to the library. Or have story hour at your own home. Host a play group. Go to someone else's playgroup. Go swimming. Or run through the sprinklers or play in the plastic pool at home. Go to gymnastics. Or do basic tumbling at home. Go to dance. Or dance at home. Go to soccer or tee ball --- or play those games at home. Have arts & crafts time. Have musical instruments (real or homemade) available for kids to play with. Play board games. Have the kids help you clean the house. Put toys in tubs and put them away. Each day get out a different tub. The toys seems new. Have the kids help you cook. Let them play computer games. Let them watch a little tv.

I don't keep a schedule, we do have things throughout the day that gets done, but nothing rigid or set, I don't think a set schedule everyday will really work, what it sound like is that the kids haven't learned how to entertain themselves during down time, so they rely on others to keep them occupied. One of the best things you can teach them is how to play alone, especailly w/ baby #3 on his way, you are going to need to be able to keep your days pretty flexible, since they do things on their own schedules.

You could just have points in the day, where the kiddos will know what is going to happen, but leave other points of the day open, for free play or trips to wherever you guys like to go. Does anything I am saying make sence? It does in my head :). But my head can be scarry at times (me laughing).

I have 7 year old who has had behaviour problems since right around the age of 5 also, so I know where you are coming from, good luck!!!!!!